"always smiling and always will"...a moto of mine that has stuck with me for years. Loving life since my transplant! Taking on various challenges from the Bupa Great South Run; UK, European & World Transplant Games in various sports; travelling the globe & sailing in the Clipper 11-12 Race. This year competing with Team GB in the World Transplant Games, South Africa

Jussie sails with Clipper 11-12

I sailed the last leg (8) in 2012 - USA,Nova Scotia,Ireland,Netherlands & UK. Travelling 4,000 miles, approx 22 days at sea, with 4 races in this leg.

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Reflections + Ambitions

Here I am with a group of friends at the Annual Transplant Curry Night (Dec '09) in Brick Lane,London. A time for those who can get together with their family/friends to eat,drink,rejoice being alive and have fun fun fun!! I love this get together, and always look forward to it!

January '10

2010 and already time for reflections + ambitions........

My Facebook status as of today (27/01/10)"Every day is a bonus,appreciate life. Take nothing for granted.Realise how lucky u r, n never forget those whose journey never had a happy ending.Remembering my friends lost n loved 2day+also to Jessica,hope u have a good send off.xxxxxx"

Gutted about Jessica Wales who waited almost 5years for new lungs, then just after Christmas last year - had the greatest gift of all! Two weeks later, Jess sadly lost her battle - her body too weak after such a long time waiting. So difficult to write words, to know what to say......

When your body is at rest, why let your organs go to heaven!!!!!!!????????

We will all die one day - no one knows when, but why not join the organ register, knowing that for the future your life will go on in others. You are only friends with me, because I had that opportunity from my donor. Please think about it......and don't just think about it, and think will do one day........that one day will turn into weeks...then months...then years! Do something good today, pleaseeeeeee...thanku x x x

Just 4 weeks into the year, and I have already been on TV, Radio, and in 2 newspapers. Raising awareness and hoping my story gives hope and inspiration to others.

Also, I have an art exhibtion at my local library in their art space, which is going well and have had some lovely comments left too. I realise my art is like marmite - love it or hate it..haha.. (below some examples of my style).

Update on Squash news.......2 lessons in, 6 months to go before compete in Squash at the UK Games. Am I finding it hard - u betcha!! Me and my crazy goals!! Also, back training again for badminton, sprinting, and in a few weeks resume long jump. Exhausted me? hell yes! But, all will be worth it in the end, and a well deserved holiday somewhere. First European heart & lung TX games in Sweden (end June) then UK TX Games in Bath a few weeks later.

I can't believe almost the end of January already...then Feb my Birthday - Woohoo!! Looking forward to that, and someone special taking to London for the day :) xx

Contact ME

World Transplant Games

Website used from 2005-2009

About Me

I am very lucky to be alive after a double-lung transplant in July 2006. I suffered the rarest lung disease called, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (Lam). I kept fighting for my life and trying to breathe each time my lung collapsed (15 times). I used to be on 24 hour oxygen to help me breathe and also wheelchair bound. At one stage I ended up in a coma (3weeks) and remained on life support for almost 2 months. I had to learn how to walk again with a zimaframe, and start to re-build my life/confidence/strength up. I want to enjoy my life with the extension this transplant has given me. My journey post transplant has been challenging with health issues, but, I try to remain as positive as possible.